Mesothelioma Orange: Mesothelioma Cases: Questions You Should Ask

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Mesothelioma Cases: Questions You Should Ask

Mesothelioma cases are becoming more known. It seems more and more mesothelioma patients are discovering their rights. If you or a loved one suffers from the condition, you should know too that there are legal options which you can take. Here are some basic questions you should ask in relation to legal options.

Have there been successful cases?

Nobody would want to get sick. This is especially true if the illness is mesothelioma which is a type of cancer. Although we are sometimes responsible for our own illnesses, mesothelioma is not one of those that is likely the result of personal actions. There is a high possibility that those who have this condition may have been exposed to asbestos. In many cases, exposure may have been accidental or due to the negligence of companies that use asbestos.

Negligence - Company negligence may thus be a big causal factor. This is why many mesothalioma patients in the past have chosen to sue negligent companies. Not surprisingly, the law has sided with many of these patients. There has been a lot of real mesothelioma cases that have been won.

Who may sue?

The patient can sue. In some cases though, a patient may die shortly after diagnosis. In this case, the bereaved family of the patient may opt to sue. There have also been some cases in which other family members have been exposed to asbestos through the clothing of the member handling asbestos. If other family members get sick, they also have the right to sue.

Why should patients sue?

Mesothelioma does have serious medical and financial implications. Patients may have their own financial resources to deal with their illness. Nonetheless cancer treatment may become expensive. In the long run patients may end up bleeding the resources of their families dry. Suing for damages therefore can help provide patients with the money that they need for treatment. The cash received is also intended to compensate for the lost income that may have resulted from the death of a family member.

Is it expensive to file a case?

All forms of litigations entail costs and Mesothelioma cases aren't an exception. You may however opt for a lawyer who will agree to collect fees after the case is resolved. Be warned though that legal experts may ask for very fat fees. You may have to pay your lawyer close to half of what is paid to you in damages.

How long does it take?

The time frame of the case will depend on several factors. This may include such factors as skill of your lawyer and the willingness of a company to settle. In any case though, it is necessary for most mesothelioma cases to proceed at a fast pace. This is because the law has put some limits on the length of time for patients to present their cases.

How much can be expected?

There is no set amount of payment. Mesothelioma damages can range from thousands of dollars to millions. The amount in damages that you receive will depend on such factors as lawyer skill and the actual damages suffered by a patient.

Success rates of mesothelioma cases are high. If you do plan to sue though, you have to make sure that you have the right lawyer.